Pacquiao to Return in a Championship Bout?

Bob Santos, the trainer of American WBC interim welterweight champion Mario Barrios (29-2, 18 KOs), reacted to his protégé's elevation to full world champion status and discussed a potential fight against former champion Manny Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs).

"We are thrilled about this. Obviously, it's great, and I know he's excited about it. We earned it in the ring. You heard Terence Crawford talk so often about moving up to junior middleweight. He obviously made his mark in the welterweight division and now wants to move forward and leave his mark in the junior middleweight category.

People have talked about Manny Pacquiao as a possible opponent for Mario in a fight for the WBC title. We welcome that. I have said many times that Mario accepts all challenges. He has never sought the easy path. He has never turned down a fight since we've been working together.

Manny is a legend. He has earned the right to do what he wants and can move to his own rhythm. If it's a fight he really wants, we welcome that challenge. We'll see what comes of it. We also welcome Devin Haney," said Santos.

Tentatively, the Pacquiao-Barrios fight could take place in October or November in Las Vegas, USA.

Manny Pacquiao has not officially fought since August 2021, when he lost to Yordenis Ugas and focused on his political career. However, in 2024, he decided to resume his professional career. In April, the eight-division champion planned to fight Muay Thai legend Buakaw Banchamek, but the fight never materialized.

Pacquiao also aimed to participate in the Olympics, but the 45-year-old "Pacman" was disappointed as the International Olympic Committee did not allow him due to exceeding the age limit. He also couldn't face Conor Benn, who lost his appeal and cannot compete in Britain due to a positive doping test. Pacquiao is now set to have an exhibition match against MMA fighter Chihiro Suzuki on July 28. The fighters will compete for 3 rounds of 3 minutes each, with a weight limit of 68 kilograms.

The World Boxing Council (WBC) Board of Directors recently voted to elevate Mario Barrios to full champion status. This occurred after the WBC designated Terence Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs) as a "Champion in Recess." The former undisputed champion held this title but decided to move up to junior middleweight (69.9 kg) to fight Israil Madrimov (10-0-1, 7 KOs).

If Crawford returns to the welterweight division, he will have the opportunity to challenge the current champion first due to his new status.